California State University, Northridge

Introduction to California State University, Northridge

CSUN was established in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College, but changed its name in 1972 and has grown into one of California's largest universities. It is part of the California State University system, which is comprised of 23 campuses.

With nine colleges and a large student population, CSUN continues to earn recognition for its high quality education. CSUN is home to the National Center on Deafness. The university hosts the annual International Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities.

Student Life at California State University, Northridge

The campus is within close driving distance of Los Angeles, serving as a commuter school for Los Angeles residents and as a home for thousands more. CSUN has several clubs and organizations to join, including fraternities and sororities.

There are 18 sports that compete at the NCAA Division I level, including men's soccer and men's and women's water polo. CSUN's Department of Political Science Model United Nations program is among the best in the nation.

FAQs on California State University, Northridge

What is the Accreditation Status of California State University, Northridge?

CSUN is accredited by the Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), recognized by the Council on Higher Education and Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The State of California Board of Education also accredits CSU Northridge.

What Are the Requirements for Admission to California State University, Northridge?

In order to apply to CSUN, prospective students must have an approved high school diploma or high school equivalency through the General Educational Development (GED) testing program. Admission to the university requires an evaluation of high school curriculum, extracurricular activities, cumulative grade point average and standardized test scores. Applicants must submit a nonrefundable application fee, an official transcript of ACT or SAT test scores and an undergraduate admissions application.

Can I Receive Financial Aid From California State University, Northridge?

CSUN offers financial aid to eligible students through government grants, loans and work study. Students can apply for Cal Grants, which are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission. CSUN also offers the Northridge Scholarship Program and Northridge Achievement Program as merit-based financial aid awards.

What Career Possibilities Does California State University, Northridge Offer?

Cal State University Northridge has some of the top degree programs in the nation. There are 55 teaching credential programs from the Michael D. Eisner School of Education alone. CSUN also has one of the best undergraduate engineering programs, as well as a top-ranked business program.

CSUN's music program ranks among the top in the nation, with a wide variety of music classes including music performance, jazz studies and music industry. Other notable fields of study include master's-level and doctoral science programs, Hispanic studies, psychology and visual and performing arts.

What Notable Individuals Have Graduated From California State University, Northridge?

As a university situated in California, CSUN has seen its share of actors and actresses, including Debra Winger, Richard Dreyfuss, Allyson Hannigan, Eve Plumb ("Jan" of Brady Bunch fame), Eva Mendes, Helen Hunt and Cheech Marin.